Ernest Dale French

Thursday

Ernest Dale French, 78, of Utica, Michigan, died Friday, June 21, in his home.

He was born May 12, 1935, in Kansas City, Missouri to the late Dr. Carl C. and Mildred (nee White) French. The family later moved to Ida.

On Dec. 28, 1982, in Mount Clemens, Mich., he was married to the former Beatrice M. Tanis.

Mr. French served in the United States Army from 1958 until 1980 retiring as a decorated Lieutenant Colonel. He earned a bachelor?s degree from Eastern Michigan University, and received the Distinguished Military Graduate resulting in a Regular Army Commission, later entering the service after the Korean War in 1958. He piloted medivac helicopters, and earned many honors during his military career including two Bronze Star medals and distinguished Flying Cross. After retiring in 1980, he taught at the Florida Institute of Technology. He was a life member of the VFW Post in New Baltimore, also holding memberships with the Masonic Lodge and Zion United Church of Christ.

?My father was a true war hero, but also a hero in peace time. As far as my sisters and I are concerned, not just our father but all med evac pilots and crew should be issued the Medal of Honor,? his son, Tim French, now says.

As a youth, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout with Dundee Troop 11 in 1950. He earned 15 varsity letters and was all-state in football, graduating in 1953 from Dundee High School.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.

Harold W. Vick Funeral Home in Mount Clemens handled arrangements. Services with military honors took place at Zion United Church of Christ in Mount Clements. Internment will take place at a later date at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Karmanos Cancer Institute, or any VFW post. Online condolences may be made at www.vickfuneralhome.com

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